Bihar First in PMFME Scheme – In News
Why in News?
Bihar has emerged as the top-performing state in the country under the Prime Minister Micro Food Processing Enterprises Upgradation (PMFME) Scheme.

About PMFME Scheme:

  • Launch: 2020-21; Duration: 5 years (till 2024-25); Outlay: ₹10,000 crore.

  • Objective: Boost competitiveness of existing micro food processing enterprises in the unorganised sector and promote formalisation.

  • Approach: One District One Product (ODOP) for economies of scale in procurement, common services, and marketing.

  • Other Focus Areas: Waste-to-wealth products, minor forest produce, and aspiring districts.

Key Provisions:

  1. Individual/Group Micro Enterprises:

    • 35% credit-linked capital subsidy (max ₹10 lakh/unit).

  2. SHGs – Seed Capital:

    • ₹40,000 per member (max ₹4 lakh/SHG) for working capital/small equipment.

  3. Common Infrastructure:

    • 35% credit-linked subsidy (max ₹3 crore) for Govt agencies/FPOs/SHGs/cooperatives.

  4. Capacity Building:

    • EDP+ training for entrepreneurship and product-specific skills.

  5. District Resource Persons (DRPs):

    • Assistance for FSSAI and statutory compliances.

Significance for Bihar:

  • Strengthens rural entrepreneurship and micro-enterprise growth.

  • Supports ODOP-based food processing clusters.